Pediatric Vulvar Cysts and Abnormalities

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Vulvar Cysts and Abnormalities?

In pediatric patients, common vulvar cysts and abnormalities include:

Bartholin gland cysts

These are cysts that form from a backup of fluid if skin grows over the opening of one of the Bartholin glands on either side of the vaginal opening, or if they become infected

Canal of nuck cyst

A painless swelling  in the vulva left over from incomplete embryonic  process

Contact dermatitis

A skin condition caused by exposure to allergens and irritants that can produce vulvar itching, burning, and red or rash-like skin on the vulva

Epidermal inclusion cysts

Small cysts that result from injury to the skin of the vulva

Folliculitis

Small, red, painful bumps that occur when hair follicles become irritated and/or infected

Mucous cysts of vestibule

Fluid-filled swellings that develop when small glands are blocked near the opening of the vagina or urethra

Sebaceous gland cyst

Small cysts, which may enlarge and become infected, that develop when the ducts to sebaceous glands are blocked

Inguinal hernia

Soft tissue (abdominal membrane or intestine) protruding through a weak point in the groin muscle and/or labia

Vulvar fibroma

A benign lump made up of fibrous or connective tissue

Vulvar hematoma

An area of swollen, bruised tissue usually caused by vulvar injury

Vulvar lipoma

A painless, slow-growing mass made up of fatty tissue

Rare vulvar cysts and abnormalities include:

• Angiokeratoma
• Hemangioma
• Condyloma
• Myoblastoma
• Pyogenic granuloma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• Skene duct cyst
• Mastocytoma
• Syringoma
• Vulvar cancer

How is Pediatric Vulvar Cysts and Abnormalities treated?

Bartholin grand cysts

For mild, non-infected Bartholin gland cysts, your daughter’s doctor may prescribe a few days of sitz baths – during which your daughter will sit in a few inches of warm water several times a day. If her cyst is large or infected, the doctor can make a small incision to drain the fluid or insert a tube that allows fluid to drain out for several weeks. Your daughter will receive antibiotics if she has an infection.

Asymptomatic epidermal inclusion cysts

These don’t require treatment. Large, infected cysts may require drainage or excision and oral antibiotics.

Mucous cysts of vestibule

These will usually resolve on their own.

Vulvar fibromas

Especially if they are large, are usually surgically removed

Vulvar lipomas

Don’t require treatment unless they are large or cause pain or distress

Canal of nuck cysts

This can be treated surgically. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if your daughter’s cyst is infected.

Sebaceous gland cysts

These usually resolve on their own but may need to be drained and/or treated with antibiotics if they become large or infected.

Inguinal hernia

This must be repaired by surgery to prevent strangulation or incarceration, which kills the affected tissue.

Contact dermatitis

This will usually resolve on its own once the irritant or allergen is removed. Your doctor will recommend avoiding harsh soaps and detergents.

Folliculitis

Your daughter’s doctor may prescribe antibiotic creams or pills to clear up any infection as well as warm compresses.

Vulvar cancers and other malignant lumps

This will be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Large hemangiomas and endometriomas – or other large, painful cysts and lumps – may require surgical removal. These are extremely rare.